The Hilly Over 50 - Trip Notes

I'm sure that the turnout for next Wednesday's ride will be reduced by members attending Tom Fish's funeral. But, for those who will be riding, here is the plan.

The five hills are:

Coldharbour Lane - steady enough, and we only do the first half anyway;

Sheephouse Lane/Friday Street - a short steep piece that is easy enough to power up;

Pitch Hill - a long pull that kicks up at the end;

Lunch at the Volunteer, Abinger Hammer, at about one o'clock;

Whitedown - probably the stiffest of the hills. About a mile of hard climbing;

Box Hill - a classic, but not hard - and now the Olympic Hill, of course.

We'll finish off with a run over Headley and down to Annie's in Leatherhead for tea at about four o'clock.

I plan to take each hill at an easy pace, and to re-group at the top of each one. Anyone who wants to walk a bit - no problem. It's almost as quick as riding some of these - and remember that when the Tour de France first crossed the Galibier, a hundred years ago this July, only Émile Georget managed it without walking. And he didn't win.

Equally, most of us know this part of the country pretty well, so anyone who wants to miss out one of the hills can easily ride round it and meet the rest of the group on the other side.

So, it should be a good ride, well within everyone's capability. Let's hope that the Spring weather continues!

Mark